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11 March, 2008 - 10:57 — GeoffGlasson

This page is dedicated to professional ethics primarily within the Software Engineering field, but drawing on information and experiences from other fields as well.

Articles on Ethics

Titlesort iconAuthor(s)Notes
Knowledge: The Core Problem of Project Failure Timothy K. PerkinsThis article argues that project fail due to two main reasons: lack of knowledge by the Project Manager, and the Project Manager failing to use the knowledge they have. I think the argument has merit and is something to watch out for in our projects. The article is worth a read.
The Public is the Priority: Making Decisions Using the Software Engineering Code of EthicsDonald Gotterbarn,
Keith W. Miller		This article discusses the ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics and how it can be used in practice. The article examines a number of scenarios where the professional Software Engineer needs to make an ethical judgement on how to proceed. A thought provoking read.
The ethics of beliefWilliam CliffordEthics is an interesting topic, one that has been debated for a long time. This speech made by William Clifford to the London Metaphysical Society in 1876. Apparently it caused quite a ruckus amongst the dignitaries because it questioned the validity of one's actions based on belief. The speech is quite long, and in places difficult to read due in part to the time period in which it was presented, but nevertheless it has some challenging ideas.
Three habits of highly effective employeesToni BowersThis article discusses 3 aspects of highly effective employees. The article is quite well written and points out (what I believe are) the right things.

Articles on Professionalism

Titlesort iconAuthor(s)Notes
10+ things you should do when you resignCalvin SunThis article describes 12 things that you should do when you resign from a job. I think this is a good start, although above all else BE PROFESSIONAL.
5 Classic Boardroom MistakesSteve Tobak

This article highlights a number of serious mistakes that can be made when presenting to senior managements. The quick takeaways from the article are:

  • Don't think it’s “no big deal.”;
  • Walk in with a half-baked plan;
  • Try to out-maneuver a founder.;
  • Expect the board to actually do something;
  • Pitch a controversial plan without support;

There is more detail in the article. This article is certainly an interesting read.
5 Ways to Overhaul Your Meetings MannersCC Holland
Don't ask employees to be passionate about the company!Kathy SierraThis blog talks about being passionate about your profession NOT the company you work for. Quite an interesting read.
How to Give a Killer PresentationSteve Tobak

This article gives tips on how to prepare for a presentation to senior management. The simple "takeaways" from the article are:

  • Developing the pitch;
  • The icebreaker;
  • First tell the audience what you’re going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them;
  • Don’t read what’s on the slide;
  • Engage the audience;
  • Be accessible;
  • Pause for effect and emphasis;
  • Make eye contact;
  • Use hand gestures;
  • Don’t block the audience’s view;

See the article for more detail. This article is well worth reading despite it's short length.
John Edwards was right — Expect to be attacked when implementing changeJohn SheesleyThis article talks about the reactions that some people will have to change and suggests strategies for dealing with people who simply refuse to accept change. The article has some good advice.
Powerful PowerPoint PresentationsBNetWe’ve collected our best PowerPoint tips articles to help your presentations sizzle. The articles were originally published with trainers in mind, but full instructions are included so that any professional can make use of this information. (from article)
The ethics of beliefWilliam CliffordEthics is an interesting topic, one that has been debated for a long time. This speech made by William Clifford to the London Metaphysical Society in 1876. Apparently it caused quite a ruckus amongst the dignitaries because it questioned the validity of one's actions based on belief. The speech is quite long, and in places difficult to read due in part to the time period in which it was presented, but nevertheless it has some challenging ideas.
The five worst things you can do in a meetingToni BowersThis blog lists some of the things that will cause offense during meetings. Personally speaking, the one about mobile phones is my biggest meeting bugbear.
Three habits of highly effective employeesToni BowersThis article discusses 3 aspects of highly effective employees. The article is quite well written and points out (what I believe are) the right things.

Case Studies